Runaway Husbands is a compilation of women's stories – specifically, women who've experienced sudden abandonment by their husbands. According to the author, a woman has experienced Wife Abandonment Syndrome if:

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- She believed she was in a good stable marriage until her husband surprised her out-of-the-blue with the news that it was over

- She was completely unaware that he was thinking of leaving, or even unhappy

- He moved out quickly (often with a girlfriend)

- From the moment of his announcement, his treatment of his wife changed dramatically from protective to persecuting

While I was lucky enough to have some run time on Peter leaving, it wasn't because he planned it that way. I have no doubt that if I hadn't figured out he had a girlfriend, he would have told me at the same time he told me he was moving out. To say Peter was uncommunicative is the understatement of the century. And I certainly identify with point number four above – ever since Peter decided the grass was greener under some other cow (OK, that was petty, but it felt good….), he's treated me with occasional icy civility over his deep contempt. It's been heartwrenching, I assure you.

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This book gave me story after story to remind me that I'm not alone in this. Some of the stories were so familiar, I just wanted to find this person and say "Yes! I know how it is." The author also has a lot of good, soothing and practical advice along the way to help you through the journey from abandonment to being whole again (My personal favorite: "Don't hit 'send' while wearing pajamas").

If you're still trying to stuff the hole that got ripped in your life with something to keep from hemorrhaging, this book is definitely for you. I also highly recommend the author's website, "Runaway Husbands."